Long before it was taken over by a trio of brothers who repurposed it as a senior center, the Melting Pot in West Scranton served as a warm gathering spot for parties, banquets and special occasions.
(read more)

Days off were made for relaxing — and for eating. For many, Labor Day is the last workday off until Thanksgiving. Local Flavor knows the joy of not setting an alarm clock to sleep in the next day.
(read more)

Article Tools

Photo courtesy of the teserovitch family
Friends and family of Judy Teserovitch, above with husband Gene, will hold a benefit on her behalf on Sunday, Sept. 29, at Tripp Park Softball Complex. Mrs. Teserovitch was diagnosed with uterine cancer last fall.

Judy and Gene Teserovitch have given back plenty to the Tripp Park community over the years.

Now, with Mrs. Teserovitch battling uterine cancer, members of the tight-knit Scranton neighborhood are coming together to help them.

On Sunday, Sept. 29, a number of the couple's friends and family members will hold the Jam for Judy Teserovitch Cancer Benefit from 2 to 6 p.m. at Tripp Park Softball Complex, 1900 Dorothy St.

The event will feature live music by EJ the DJ and local Beatles tribute act the Fab 3, as well as raffles, home-run-hitting and foul-shooting contests and other games.

Admission is $20 for adults 21 and older and $10 for those younger than 21, and includes food and beverages, including beer. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the Teserovitch family to offset costs associated with Mrs. Teserovitch's treatments.

Mrs. Teserovitch received her diagnosis last November on Election Day. Since then, she's gone through nine rounds of chemotherapy and 27 radiation treatments.

Just last week, she underwent a full hysterectomy to remove her remaining tumors. She said there's still a possibility of further treatments.

"You just have to take it one day at a time, and hopefully things go in the right direction," Mrs. Teserovitch said.

Mrs. Teserovitch is well-known from her many years working at the former Brunetti's Market in West Scranton. Meanwhile, Mr. Teserovitch serves as president of both the Tripp Park Neighborhood Association and the Tripp Park Missy League. He's been involved with the latter for over 25 years, undertaking a number of duties, from coaching to field maintenance.

"He donates endless amounts of time to the league," said event committee member and Tripp Park resident E.J. Dougher, aka EJ the DJ. "And Judy's always got a smile on her face, and ready for the next battle."

Members of the Missy League and the Neighborhood Association had been wanting to do a benefit for the Teserovitches for some time. The fundraiser's committee consists of about 20 members, and a number of businesses have stepped forward with donations, Mr. Dougher said.

"They're very humble people," Mr. Dougher said of Mr. and Mrs. Teserovitch. "But, we really saw how it was affecting Gene and his family. He finally surrendered to it, because we told him it wasn't for him; it was totally for his wife."

"I'm used to giving fundraisers, not being on the other side of it," Mr. Teserovitch said.

"Now I have to be nice to all of them," he joked.

Mrs. Teserovitch said she's completely humbled by the show of support.

"I'm in great awe of it," she said. "I can't believe it, the goodness of people's hearts. It's overwhelming. You think to yourself, how do you pay these people back? I'm really touched by it."

Contact the writer: jmcauliffe@timesshamrock.com, @jmcauliffeTT on TwitterIf you go

What: Jam for Judy Teserovitch Cancer Benefit

When: Sunday, Sept. 29, 2 to 6 p.m.

Where: Tripp Park Softball Complex, 1900 Dorothy St.

Details: Admission is $20 for adults 21 and older and $10 for those younger than 21, and includes food and beverages, including beer. For more information, visit the event's Facebook page.

We welcome user discussion on our site, under the following guidelines:

To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.

Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.